By the time Cao Mao returned to the Western Hall, he was utterly exhausted.
Yet Zhang Hua and Wei Shu were still waiting for him.
"Your Majesty, how did things go?"
Cao Mao motioned for them to go inside and led them into the room. Only then did he give them a truthful account of what had happened at the Grand General's Residence, hiding nothing from either of them.
As they listened to Cao Mao finish recounting the events at the residence, Zhang Hua's eyes brightened, while Wei Shu remained much as he always was.
Zhang Hua said with a smile, "Your Majesty, what you lack most at present is talented men who can stand against the ministers at court."
"If you can inherit Sima Shi's mantle, that legacy will prove immensely useful."
"To name just a few, Deng Ai, Wang Ji, Yang Hu, and Du Yu could all be won over."
"Unfortunately, Sima Fu has already distanced himself from them. Otherwise, Sima Wang could be won over too."
"These are all great worthies of our age. With their help, why worry that your great undertaking might fail?"
Cao Mao nodded. "That was my thinking too. The Sima Family's men serve as governors and inspectors throughout the land, and they have people in every part of the court. All these men could be entrusted with important duties."
"Sima Zhao's attitude toward me has changed. With Sima Shi's illness having worsened this far, reversing the situation is utterly impossible. He must have reassured Sima Zhao, hoping to preserve his younger brother's life..."
"But Sima Shi won't give up easily. Next, he may very well launch one final strike in a private capacity."
"I originally thought he would move against Lu Yu, but now I'm no longer certain. He even mentioned men